Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1887-01-21
FAMILY CONFERENCE.
Was that all.

DR.. Hatcher am glad you asked me.
it affords me an opportunity of making
another statement which the public ought
to have. The same day on which L had
this interview with the prisoner [ sought
a conference with representative Of his
family, and l now give you the substance
of what L said:
II am the spiritual adviser of your kins
man, who is condemned to death. Wheth-
er he is innocent or guilty know not. If
he is innocent, then | have nothing to say
except to express a sympathy none the
less profound because unvailing. But, il
he is guilty, then [ wish the family to
know that I maintain that 1t is his duty
to confess the crime and that [ fully in
tend to urge it upon him. Now | wish to
know the attitude that the family will as
sumo in this matter. 1t will not be with
out it's advantage to them for him to Gle
with denial upon his lips. 1t may help
their reputation. but it will be at the ex-
pense Of his soul. Am to have tie thor
ough support of the family in my attempt
to lead him to confession. or will they
get in my Way?"
This, you will admit, was severe and
painful talk, to me, at least.
Reporter.-Yo GU were certainly cutting
to the core of the question. Did you ever
get any reply?
DR.. Hatcher.-Ye s; and very promptly.
Here it is: "We believe that Tommie is
innocent. We have not one doubt on
that question. Not one of US believes that
he is a murderer. And yet We Go not
knoW. But on one point we are all agreed
If he is guilty IN Whole or IN part I'VE aoant
him to confess 1t, and we ask you to deal
faithfully with him. AS for his reputa-
ton, let that perish, but let his soul be
saved"
Reporter. that satisfactory to
you? Did that seem to be the course pur-
sued by the family to the last?
DR.. Hatcher.-I could not have asked
more, and | have no reason to suspect
that any pressure was brought to bear
upon him from any direction to prevent
confession.
Reporter. you ever tell Cluverius
of this interview with his family
DIR. Hatcher.-Of course [ did. That
was nv object at first. / wanted all the
support that could get in dealing with
him.
ASSERTS HIS INNOCENCE AGAIN.
Reporter What did the prisoner say to
this?
DR.. HatcEer.-He said that he appreci-
ated my situation, add that he would not
blame me even If were to express the
conviction of his guilt, but with g quiet,
and | think I may say with an unbienched
face, he declared that he was not guilty of
the crime for which he was condemned to
de. told him that if that was so I re-
joiced in his innocence, but urge him
again to think we'll and to say nothing
that he would have to unsay when he
stood on the ecaffold. [ then told him
that had done my duty. had expound-
ed TO him the nature of confession, and
impressed upon him 50 far as could what
was his duty in the event of his guilt, but
that could not READ the secrets of Lis
soul. AS he so firmly asserted big limo
cence l would treat him as an innoeent
man. This l did, though quite ofteii in
nv anxiety to be faithful | would . 4
him oyer the sane ground, but alws
with the same result, and this continu,
tie last.
Reporter you offer to receive bis
confession and keep it secret?
DR.. Hatcher-l never did. / told hiaa
that If he had any statements to maks to
me which he preferred should not be made
puk,ia until the day after his execution
Chat would keep them. This did be-
\use had no acult at the time that he
u be executed, ana was Conscientious
ious to inyite and encourage the
if he had any to make. Tat
ould on this account suspect
I've held such confession
Ihen / knew that there